The second gunman involved in the shooting incident in Jinthupitiya on 16 January 2026 has also been apprehended

Following instructions from the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Colombo District, Mr. Nishantha Zoysa, an investigation was launched by the Colombo Central Division Criminal Investigation Division. The inquiry was conducted under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Colombo Central Division, Mr. Mahesh Kumarasinghe, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) responsible for Colombo Central District I, Mr. B.D. Gunasekara.

The investigation relates to an incident that occurred on January 16, 2026, in the Jinthupitiya area within the Coastal Police Division, where one individual was shot and killed while two children sustained injuries.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, officers of the Colombo Central Criminal Investigation Division arrested the suspect in the Udawalawe area on March 9, 2026.

The suspect is a 26-year-old resident of Mirisyaya, Colombageara. Based on information revealed during the interrogation, investigators recovered property connected to the crime, including two mobile phones allegedly used by the suspect while committing the offence. The suspect, together with the recovered items and relevant case materials, has been handed over to the Coastal Police Station for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the other gunman involved in the offence had previously been arrested by officers of the Colombo Crimes Division on March 3, 2026, within the Grandpass Police Division while in possession of 11g and 830mg of “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine). The suspect was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court and has been remanded in custody.